Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Vern Anderson called the meeting to order at 9AM at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. The agenda was reviewed and approved as follows,

Agenda:

Convene annual meeting

Introductions

Welcome: Dr. Ken Grafton, Director, Ag. Experiment Station, NDSU

Approval of agenda

Approval of minutes from 2002 meeting

Administrative Advisors Report and Update: Thayne Dutson

CSREES Update: Henry Tyrell-USDA

Station Reports

Plan 2004 meeting date and location

Discuss future extension activities related to WCC-201

Elect officer(s)

Adjourn

Approval of minutes of 2003 meeting

Minutes compiled and presented by Vern Anderson were unanimously approved.

Members present were particularly impressed by the number of new participants from North Dakota and other regions.
Members of the WCC-201 are making significant progress on the different objectives set forth by this committee. Use of barley for feed is being enhanced by emerging new research information regarding the incorporation of barley grain in alfalfa cubes (University of Idaho), the incorporation of malted sprouts in feed cubes (North Dakota State university), barley processing and its bulk density (Montana State University). Use of barley hay is being intensively tested at Montana State University in a multi-pronged research program where stage of maturity/at harvest, drying processes, barley genetics, ear morphology and nitrate concentration are all taken into consideration. Extension of the fall grazing period by direct planting of barley into corn stands is being investigated at South Dakota State University. New approaches such as proteomics are being developed at Utah State University and may have applications in the identification of barley seed proteins for animal feed or human food.

Administrative Advisor Report and Update: Thayne Dutson, Oregon State University

At OSU, the past year has been marked by deep funding cuts especially at the service level (minus 50%). More cuts in extension have also occurred (-25%). And, in general no vacant positions were refilled. At the federal level while unrealistic spending continues, we could see a possible increase in Hatch funding.

One major positive accomplishment of the last year has been the setting of the NIMSS web database to allow us to file on line the annual report.
Regarding barley utilization Thayne considers there are still further opportunities in feed rations for barley. Thayne outlined the process to get new committee members.

Steps: 1- Exp. Sta. Director fills out the web form
2- Allocation of $750 per meeting. Check with each exp. Stations. Fill a form.
New membership is subject to the approval by the whole committee.

CSREES Update: Henry Tyrell-USDA

Due to upcoming retirement Henry assisted to his last meeting with this committee. At this occasion he took the opportunity to make a few predictions for the evolution of the U.S. Agricultural Research. First, he thinks that eventually Ag. Production research will be cut very significantly since it is presently taking a back seat in funding priorities. Second, as general extension has not kept up with Production Agriculture more and more private consulting firms have been -and will be- doing its job. Third, he believes that they are fundamental problems with the present Extension Service. It has progressively become a social educational program to urban constituents. As it is becoming irrelevant Extension may collapse as it did in Virginia.
Presently at the Federal Level we assist to a spiral of more spending creating more deficits. As a potential opportunity for this committee funding increases are foreseen due to Homeland security. The House of Representatives killed APHIS funding though it was originally authorized. Consequently, some funding opportunities through competitive process have been lost. NRI programs benefited from this situation by an extra $40 millions. With a trend towards more funding of multi-state projects on a competitive basis, we may prevent the emergence of innovative research. CSREES reason to be is to allocate funds from the federal level to the local level. However, these days all CSREES new funding resources go to competitive projects!

Directed funds from Congress are still growing. North Dakota and Montana remains significant recipients of such funding. These specific projects (?pork barrel?) are not as bad as they are often presented. They are actually aimed at resolving problems. This funding generally comes from the industry to try to solve current problems.

Finally, Henry reminded us that by statute 25% of Hatch funding should be dedicated to interstate activities. So each Experimental Station Director should have money for this kind of meeting.


Station Reports

(1) John Froseth, Washington State University:

Research: John has been working on a highly processed fish product. It is good for baby pigs and especially high in arginin. John believes that barley could be better used than corn due to its non starchy polysacharrides. He thinks that use of antibiotics will be completely phased out in the next few years in animal production. We may wonder if there is any advantage of barley when antibiotics are not being used.

General discussion: White fat for Asian markets is critical, especially for pork. Barley is much better than corn to avoid carotenoids in rations. As global feed barley acreage is decreasing. However, John believes there are still opportunities for specialized varieties for defined markets especially for winter barley in Oregon.

According to John, Agricultural Extension is almost a thing of the past in Washington State. The top producing wheat producing in the country has no longer a crop production extension specialist. 4H programs are the top business in WA for extension programs. Agricultural production is not emphasized anymore. Barley acreage is going down, corn is going up.

(2) Carl Hunt, Idaho State University:

The State lost more extension specialist positions in animal production. However, at the Caldwell Research and Extension Center, the position of Don Hinman who recently retired has been maintained. The Governor will not accept any further cut in research and education and vetoed three times attempts by the State legislature to do so. However revenues are still not back to what they should be and the future is uncertain.

In the Pacific Northwest dairy uses of barley seem to have reached saturation. However, we think there is potential for expansion as a substitute for hay with wintering beef cows. Furthermore cubing of alfalfa with 40% of barley seems to be a valid alternative to hay winterfeeding. Preliminary results indicate that barley incorporation in alfalfa cubes is beneficial. It merits further research.

(3) Vance Owens, South Dakota State University:

Research project in cooperation with the Montana Feed Barley Program. Experiments have been conducted to test the possibility for extension of the grazing season with planting of barley and other small grains in standing corn.

(4) Wayne Gipp, Montana State University:

We had initial cuts made to the 2000 level for all state institutions. Then some funding was restored to the 2002 level.
Montana remains a non-urban state with strong emphasis in agriculture. A new animal science facility is being built with new food processing entities. From a presently one-person meat lab the new facility will a new research lab with emphasis in food technology and value added product. This is an attempt at trying to tie things together from production through. A director position is envisaged for the new lab.

(5) Weston Dvorak, North Dakota Barley Council:

The council has the objective to get a renewed interest in feed barley in the state. Recent findings during trips in Alberta and California seem to indicate that there are problems in feedlots with extensive use of corn in rations. It seems there is more bloating with corn than with barley.

(6) Doug Landblon, North Dakota State University-Dickinson Research Center: At the center there is a barley evaluation in swine and cattle diets. There is another barley grant on the center.

Presentation from Wendy L. Bengochea, Masters student at NDSU entitled "Processing feed barley in backgrounding diets."

(7) Marc Bauer, Animal. & Range Sc. NDSU-Fargo:

Marcs research addresses primarily rates of protein degradation rates in rumen. He also studies the effects of added urea in the rations. A general discussion ensued on digestibility of saccharides and proteins.

(8) Vern Anderson:

It is noteworthy to indicate that each NDSU center is funded individually by the legislature.

At the Carrington Center a new facility was built there. There, research efforts are aimed at an increase of feedlots in the state. Barley is used in at least five research projects with evaluation of effects on meat quality. The addition of flax was found to increase the overall barley diet data. There is also collaboration on the protein supplementation of barley rations. Another collaboration with Cargill is addressing the use of malt sprouts in feed cubes. Finally we see an emerging trend for natural feeding systems with no antibiotics and no GMO?s plant varieties used in rations.

Four congressional delegations (MT, ND, SD, WY) were instrumental in the creation of a Four-State Consortium Program at the Hettinger Research Center to maintain development in these four corners especially in the areas of dry farming and the sheep industry.


(9) Dominique Roche, Utah State University:

Dominique discussed the potential of using proteomics for the analysis of barley seed proteins.

2004 Meeting date and location:
Should we merge meeting dates with North American Barley Workers meeting held every other year. Their next scheduled meeting is for July 2005 in Red Deer (Alberta).

At our next meeting we should discuss the re-writing of WCC-002 objectives by fall or spring 2004. Its submission will be due by March 15, 2005, in order to have a new charter by fall 2005.


Election of officers:
Nominations were taken for the position of Committee Chairperson. Carl Hunt nominated Dominique Roche. Dominique was elected as chairperson.
Carl Hunt nominated Jan Bowman for the position of secretary. Jan was elected as secretary.

IDAHO PROGRESSIVE REPORT WCC201, Barley Quality Evaluation Investigations of the practicality of substituting barley for hay to supply dietary energy for wintering beef cows Personnel: Carl W. Hunt, Professor Amin Ahmadzadeh, Assistant Professor Peter Szasz, Graduate Assistant Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, Abstract: Metabolizable energy can often be supplied more economically from grain than from forages, however logistics often preclude inclusion of grain in wintering beef cattle rations. Incorporation of grain into pressed alfalfa cubes may provide a means of delivering energy via processed grain. Four ruminally cannulated Jersey steers were used to evaluate diets containing alfalfa fed coarsely chopped or as pressed cubes. These diets were fed with or without substituted barley. Results of this study indicate that isocaloric substitution of barley, either as a separate ingredient or as an ingredient of a pressed cube, is a feasible alternative strategy for meeting the energy requirements of wintering beef cattle Effect of added degradable intake protein on performance of cattle fed corn or barley-based finishing diets L. R. Kennington', C. W. Hunt1, D. D. Hinrnan', J. I. Szasz', and S. J. Sorensen2 1 University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 2 University of Idaho, Caldwell Research and Extension Center, Caldwell, ID Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, Vol. 53, 2002 Abstract: Two-hundred forty Angus x Salers steers to determine the effect of grain type (corn and barley) and level of DIP on performance of finishing cattle. Treatments included corn- or barley-based finishing diets balanced with 11.5, 12.75 or 14% CP using soybean meal and urea. No differences were detected (P > 0.05) between treatments for initial weight, days on feed, or internal fat. Corn-fed cattle had greater (P < 0.05) DMI, ADG, final weights and gainfeed than cattle fed barley-based finishing diets (9.89 versus 9.56 kg/d, 1.78 versus 1.52 kd/d, 602 versus 567 kg, and 179 vs 158, respectively). Cattle fed corn-based diets had greater (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight subcutaneous fat, ribeye area, quality grade and yield grade than cattle fed barley-based finishing diets (373 versus 352 kg, 1.17 versus 1.04 cm, 90.4 versus 87.9 cm2, 14.88 versus 13.35 [12-14 = low Choice, 15 = Choice] and 2.66 versus 2.45, respectively). Subcutaneous fat increased linearly as DIP level increased in the diets (P < 0.05). Growth performance variables of the grain type main effect were not interactive with DIP level, suggesting starch fermentability did not affect DIP requirement under the conditions of this experiment. WCC-201- Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Report  2003 Participants: Jan Bowman, Tom Blake Effects of barley processing and bulk density when fed to backgrounding calves. Abstract: A study was initiated to evaluate the effects of light or heavy bulk density (BD) barley fed whole or dry rolled to calves on a backgrounding diet. Bulk density did not affect (P = 0.57) DMI (average 8.7 kg/d), however, steers fed whole barley consumed less (P= 0.005) than steers fed dry rolled barley. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in final weight or ADG due to BD (average 381 kg and 1.1 kg/d, respectively). Feeding dry rolled barley resulted in heavier final weights (P = 0.06; 387 vs 375 kg) and increased ADG (P = 0.001; 1.2 vs 0.99 kg/d) compared with feeding whole barley. Bulk density did not affect steer performance in the trial. However, dry rolling barley before feeding to steers in a backgrounding diet increased performance by 17% when compared to feeding the barley whole. Effects of barley or corn on performance and digestibility in finishing diets. Abstract: Barley is an important feed grain in Canada and the Pacific Northwest, while corn is the predominant grain source in finishing diets throughout the United States. Limited comparisons are available evaluating differences between the feed value of corn and barley. Eighty steers (average initial weight 344 kg) were fed finishing diets for 112 d to determine the effects of corn and three barley varieties (H3, Harrington, and Valier) on feedlot performance, nutrient digestion, carcass characteristics, and grain energy content. There were no differences (P > 0.10) among diets for ADG (average 1.58 kg/d), feed efficiency (FE; average 16.31 kg gain/100 kg feed), DMI (average 9.62 kg), or starch digestibility (average 97%). Fat thickness was greatest (P = 0.03) for steers fed corn (average 1.2 cm), and least for steers fed H3 and Valier (average 0.93 cm). Steers fed corn had higher (P = 0.07) yield grades than steers fed barley (average 3.1 vs 2.8, respectively); however, there were no differences (P > 0.10) detected for any other carcass characteristic. Lack of differences in animal performance and grain energy values suggest that barley has equal feeding value to corn in finishing diets, and that the NRC may underestimate net energy values for barley. Effects of barley processing, bulk density, and oil type on feedlot performance and carcass of finishing beef steers. Abstract: Eighty crossbreed beef steers weighing 385 kg were fed a finishing diet (83% barley, 6% chopped straw, 3% oil and 8% supplement) in a study examining the effects of barley processing (who1e vs. dry rolled), barley bulk density (BD; heavy vs. light; 63.1 kg/hL and 50.8 kg/hL, respectively) and oil type (soybean vs. high linoleic acid safflower oil) on animal performance and carcass characteristics. Final weight was highest (P = 0.005) for steers-fed dry rolled heavy barley (RH) and dry rolled light barley (RL; avg. 573 kg), intermediate for steers fed whole light barley (WL; 505 kg) and least for steers fed whole heavy barley (WH; 468 kg). Average daily gain was highest (P = 0.001) for steers fed RH and RL (avg. 1.65 kg/d), intermediate for steers fed WL (1.06 kg/d), and least for steers fed WH (0.75 kg/d. Dry matter intake was greatest (P = 0.01) for steers fed RH and RL (avg. 11.6 kg/d), intermediate for steers fed WL (9.7 kg/d), and least for steers fed WH (8.1 kg/d). Feed efficiency (kg of gain/100 units of feed) was highest (P = 0.002) for steers fed RH (14.7), followed by RL (13.9), WL (9.7), and WH (8.1). No differences (P > 0.08) in carcass characteristics were detected for BD, processing or their interaction. No effects (P > 0.07) of oil on ending weights, ADG, or carcass characteristics were found. In summary, barleys with BD of 63.1 and 50.8 kg/hL had similar energy contents, while NEm and NEg for dry rolled barley were 22 and 30% higher, respectively, than for whole barley fed to finishing steers. Stage of maturity, time of sampling, and method of drying effects on forage quality of Haybet barley. Abstract: Approximately half of Montana grain hay production comes from barley. The objective of this research was to evaluate method of sample drying, stage of maturity and time of sampling effects on forage quality of 'Haybet' barley. Haybet barley was grown under irrigated conditions in 2002 near Bozeman, MT. Forage clip samples (5cm) were collected at the boot (B) and water early-milk stage (W) of maturity. At each stage of maturity samples were collected in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) of two consecutive days. Clip samples were divided into two aliquots that were either freeze-dried (FD) with liquid nitrogen or oven dried (OD) at 60°C in a forced air oven. Stage of maturity affected (P < 0.01) all forage quality parameters. Neutral detergent fiber was 4.8% greater (P < 0.01) at W stage of maturity when compared to B stage of maturity (54.43 vs. 51.95%, respectively). Nitrate concentration was 45% lower (P < 0.01) at the W stage of maturity when compared to B stage of maturity (0.140 vs. 0.253%, respectively), however it was unaffected (P> 0.10) by time of sampling or method of drying. Crude protein content was 53% lower (P <0.01) at W when compared to B stage of maturity (1 1.86 vs. 18.14%, respectively). Acid detergent fiber was 3.2% lower (P- 0.08) at PM than at AM (30.43 vs. 3 1.44%, respectively). In situ DMD tended to increase (P = 0.11) at PM compared to AM (76.45 vs. 75.21, respectively). Freeze drying decreased (P = 0.05) ADF content by 3.6% when compared to OD (30.36 vs. 31.51%, respectively). Stage of maturity greatly affected forage quality of Haybet forage barley. Haybet cut in the evening tended to yield hay that was lower in ADF and higher in digestibility. Nitrate concentration of cereal forage species at three stages of maturity. Abstract: Livestock producers need to be concerned with nitrate concentrations when feeding annual cereal forages. Six cereal forage species (18 varieties) were grown under irrigated conditions in Bozeman, MT, and were used to test the effects of cereal forage species and stage of maturity on forage nitrate concentration. The range in N03-N was from 0.01 to 0.55% (CV = 47.2%). There were significant (P < 0.05) cereal forage species, stage of maturity and species x maturity interaction effects on N03-N concentration. Nitrate-nitrogen concentration at the boot stage of maturity did not differ (P > 0.05) when compared to the anthesis stage of maturity (average 0.244 %). However, NO3- N concentration at harvest was 36 % lower than at anthesis (0.168 vs. 0.230 %). Barley forage N03-N concentration was highest (P < 0.05) at the boot stage, intermediate at anthesis and lowest at harvest (0.230, 0.195 and 0.13 I%, respectively). Oat forage maintained highN03-N concentrations at all growth stages (P > 0.05; average 0.341%). It appears that stage of maturity and cereal forage species greatly affect N03-N concentration. This implies that different harvest management must be implemented for oat when compared to other cereal forage species. Effect of barley varieties harvested for forage on backgrounding steer performance and diet digestibility Abstract: The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the effects of four barley varieties on animal performance and diet digestibility, and 2) determine the effects of feeding awned vs. hooded head type barley. 'MT 981060J, 'Westford', and 'Haybet' are all hooded forage barley varieties, while 'Valier' is an awned feed barley variety. Steers fed MT981060 and Valier had 55% greater (P < 0.01) ADG when compared to steers fed Haybet and Westford barley (average 3.29 vs. average 2.75 kg/d, respectively). Dry matter intake was greatest (P < 0.01) for steers fed MT 981060 and Valier, intermediate for Haybet and least for Westford (average 10.06 vs. 9.61 and 8.08 kgld, respectively). Steers fed MT 981060, Valier, and Westford barley had 14.4% improvement (P < 0.01) in feed efficiency (FE) when compared to steers fed Haybet barley (average 15.07 vs. 12.9 kg gain1100 kg feed, respectively). Feeding an awned variety did not impact DMI, ADG, or FE. MT 981060 had superior feeding value for backgrounding steers and is scheduled for release by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. South Dakota/Montana Peed Barley Program Progress Report- WCC-201 I. Project Title: Extending the grazing season using spring small grains planted in the summer: A comparison of barley, oats, triticale, and wheat planted in various seedbed conditions 11. Project Leaders: Vance N. Owens, Forage Research Agronomist, South Dakota State University Richard J. Pruitt, Cow/calf Management, South Dakota State University 111. Project Personnel April Schultz, MS. Student IV. Objectives: 1. Determine establishment success of forage barley and other small grains planted into various types of seedbeds at different seeding dates. 2. Evaluate the potential of forage barley to extend the grazing season for weaned calves. V. Procedures Barley, wheat, oats, and triticale were no-till planted into oat stubble or broadcast seeded into standing corn on 1 and 15 August and 1 and 15 September 2002 planting date) at Brookings, SD. Plots were harvested on the following dates: 15 and 3 1 October, 15 November, and 2 December.. Crude protein concentration has been determined on all samples, NDF and ADF analysis are ongoing. VI. Results Objective I. Harvest date significantly affected yield and CP. Warmer than average temperatures during late fall allowed production to increase or be maintained through the middle of November. Production levels declined during the latter part of November and into December as a result of plant senescence and leaf loss. Forage yield was higher when small grains were planted on 1 August compared to 15 August. The two additional weeks growth provided about 800 kg DM ha.' of additional forage. Crude protein was higher in all species on the later planting date. However, CP was highest in barley planted on 1 August while CP was greatest in triticale when planting was delayed to 15 August. Wheat and oats ranked similarly on both planting dates. Objective 2. Forty-six Angus and Simmental x Angus heifers were allotted by breed and weight to two management treatments, the dry lot weaned group and the pasture weaned group. Calves were weighed (after being removed from feed and water overnight) at weaning and 14, 28 and 49 days post weaning. Blood samples were collected by jugular vein-puncture at weaning and 14 and 28 days post weaning to measure the development of immunity from vaccinations given on the day of weaning. Calves were scored daily for disease symptoms. Results shows that calves weaned on pasture gained more for 14 days post weaning than calves weaned in dry lot. Average daily gain of calves grazing forage barley was similar to calves fed in dry lot during the same period. Gains from the end of the grazing period to April 16 were similar for the two management treatments. Blood samples are being analyzed to determine if the less stressful pasture weaning resulted in greater acquisition of immunity from vaccinations. VII. Summary Utilization of barley, or other small grains, sown during late summer shows promise as a way of extending the grazing season for weaned calves. Grazing into the fall may potentially reduce calf stress, disease, labor, and cost of facilities for cow/calf producers compared to traditional weaning management. The study will be repeated a second year. Furthermore, this will help us determine whether or not this option is financially competitive with other traditional systems.

Boss, D. E., J.G.P. Bowman, L.M.M. Surber, D. G. Sattoriva, and T. K. Blake. 2003. Effects of barley processing and bulk density when fed to backgrounding calvesProc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:351-353. Kincheloe, J. J., J.G. P Bowman, L.M.M. Surber, D. L. Boss, K A. Anderson and T. K. Blake. 2003. Effects of barley or corn on performance and digestibility in finishing diets. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:362-365. McDonnell, M. F., J.G.P. Bowman, L.M.M Surber, J. J. Kincheloe, K.A. Anderson, and T. K.Blake. 2003. Effects of type on feedlot performance and carcass of finishing beef steers. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:49-52. Surber L.M.M., S. D. Cash, J.G.P. Bowman, and K.M Rolfe. 2003. Stage of maturity, time of sampling, and method of drying effects on forage quality of Haybet barley. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:206-209. Surber, L.M.M., S. D. Cash, J.G.P. Bowman, and M.C. Meuchel. 2003. Nitrate concentration of cereal forage species at three stages of maturity. Proc. West. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:203-205. Todd, A.L., J.G.B. Bowman, L.M.M. Surber, M.A. Thompson, J. J. Kincheloe, M.F. McDonnell, and P.F. Hensleigh. 2003. Effect of barley varieties harvested for forage on backgrounding steer performance and diet digestibility. Proc. West. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 54:389-392.